A major search has been taking place today for a prisoner missing from a jail on the Isle of Sheppey.

Kent Police closed the Sheppey Crossing as officers used a helicopter to hunt for the inmate, who had absconded from HMP Standford Hill.

The prisoner, a man in his 30s, was found in Sheerness town centre after around an hour and has been taken back into custody.

Officers started searching the Island at about 10am after receiving reports from the Eastchurch open prison of a missing inmate.

The helicopter was scrambled and hovered over the High Street for about 15 minutes.

Police were also seen in Trinity Road, Broadway, Royal Road and by the clock tower.

They were also checking cars and the Sheppey Crossing was closed from 10.11am.

A Kent Police spokesman said the prisoner was found in Sheerness town centre soon after 11am and was taken into custody.

A force spokesman said police reopened the crossing when he was found.

She added: "Police were searching areas of the Isle of Sheppey following a report of an abscondee from HMP Standford Hill at 10am today.

"The police helicopter assisted and road checks were conducted.

"The prisoner, a man in his 30s, was located in Sheerness town centre at around 11.08am and taken into custody."